Minnesota · DNR survey data
Orwell Lake
Orwell Lake covers 608 acres in Otter Tail County, running to 25 feet, last surveyed by the DNR in 2024. The Minnesota DNR has not published bathymetry for this lake, so there is no depth map here, just the survey record: what the nets held and how big it ran.
DNR survey data
Fish species
WalleyeStocked · 2025Excellent numbers7.1per gill net10"Typical25"Biggest
Lengths measured · 64 fish
Recent · 2023Lengths measured · 64 fish
2023Lengths measured · 57 fish
2016Lengths measured · 63 fish
2010Lengths measured · 50 fish
2005Smallmouth bassPresent1.1per gill net16"Typical17"Biggest
Lengths measured · 10 fish
Recent · 2023Lengths measured · 10 fish
2023Lengths measured · 2 fish
2016Only 2 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 11 fish
2010Lengths measured · 2 fish
2005Only 2 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
CrappiePresent1.8per gill net7"Typical14"Biggest
Lengths measured · 92 fish
Recent · 2023 + 2024Lengths measured · 76 fish
2024Lengths measured · 16 fish
2023Lengths measured · 221 fish
2016Lengths measured · 182 fish
2010No recent survey rating.
Channel catfishExcellent numbers5.6per gill net22"Typical30"Biggest
Lengths measured · 50 fish
Recent · 2023Lengths measured · 50 fish
2023Lengths measured · 108 fish
2016Lengths measured · 122 fish
2010Lengths measured · 17 fish
2005Rates come from standard DNR survey gear (gill nets, trap nets, electrofishing), judged against statewide benchmarks for the same gear — which is why the same number of fish per net can read differently for two species. Where the standard gear can't count a species reliably, the page shows presence and size only. Typical is the middle fish of those measured. Open a row for the full length spread, survey by survey. You can read every number on this page without an app or an account.
DNR stocking records
Stocking history
| Year | Species | Stocked |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Walleye | 1,611,000 fry |
| 2024 | Walleye | 1,726,000 fry |
| 2023 | Walleye | 926,000 fry |
| 2022 | Walleye | 626,000 fry |
| 2021 | Walleye | 1,000,000 fry |
| 2019 | Walleye | 5,000,000 fry |
| 2018 | Walleye | 3,331,000 fry |
| 2017 | Walleye | 2,000,000 fry |
| 2016 | Walleye | 1,000,000 fry |
Recent reports
Orwell Lake fishing reports
Recent reports on Orwell Lake from guides, tournaments and regular anglers. Anything posted in the last two weeks also bumps the matching spots on the live map, so you'll see a "matches a recent report" tag on them.
Public water access
Getting on the water
- Orwell Reservoir (trailer launch)
Within 30 miles
Nearby lakes
- Dayton Hollow Reservoir · 227 ac · 2.7 mi
- Iverson Lake · 68 ac · 5.6 mi
- Pebble Lake · 195 ac · 6.4 mi
- Swan Lake · 749 ac · 7.5 mi
- Wright Lake · 67 ac · 8.3 mi
- Hoot Lake · 161 ac · 8.7 mi
- Rose Lake · 108 ac · 9.1 mi
- Wall Lake · 727 ac · 10 mi
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Is there a depth map for Orwell Lake?
The Minnesota DNR has not published bathymetry for Orwell Lake, so this page carries the survey record instead: species, catch rates and stocking history.
What fish are in Orwell Lake?
The most recent DNR survey (2024) recorded walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, rock bass, channel catfish.
Does Orwell Lake have a public access?
Yes. Orwell Lake has one public access site: Orwell Reservoir (trailer launch).
Is Orwell Lake stocked?
Yes. The DNR stocked walleye in 2025; the stocking table on this page lists every year back to 2016.
When was Orwell Lake last surveyed?
The Minnesota DNR last surveyed Orwell Lake in 2024, the most recent of 7 surveys on record.
Survey numbers are the Minnesota DNR's. How this site reads them →
Page updated .